WSSD Preliminary 2020-21 Budget, Diversity Training and More
Focus Topic: Preliminary Budget
The focus topic of the first Wallingford-Swarthmore School Board meeting of 2020 was the presentation of the proposed preliminary 2020-21 budget. The estimate for the preliminary budget is $87,129,381, up from $84,405,815 last year, an increase of 3.2%. The presentation by Business Administrator Martha Kew stressed the rising cost of the Public School Employees Retirement System (PSERS), noting the very large amount the district is required to contribute. The ongoing study of adolescent sleep needs and later start times are also being considered as the budget is prepared.
Diversity Training
The Monday night meeting began with a report from the board’s student representative, Samah Sharmin. Ms. Sharmin reported that the high school’s Diversity Trainers went to Strath Haven Middle School on January 14 to educate students about diversity and inclusion. The group focuses on fostering a sense of community in the district and celebrating ways that diversity makes the district stronger.
Diversity training at SHMS.
Safe2Say
In her report, Superintendent Dr. Lisa Palmer reminded the community that it has been a year since the district joined the state run Safe2Say Something program. Safe2Say is a youth violence prevention program run by the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General that provides students with a platform to anonymously submit tips about concerns regarding themselves or their peers. The Safe2Say app, website, and 24/7 crisis hotline are available at all times. More information is available online at safe2saypa.org and on the district website.
